Football Field Maintenance and Management Procedures TRF 230

Field Inspection § Field should be inspected at least once a week more often during the growing season § Soil test: fertility levels and p. H § Look for any mowing problems: dull, scalping etc. . § Soil moisture : irrigation needs and drainage issues § Check the soil for compaction problems, thatch, root development § Check High traffic areas § Weeds, diseases an insects § Make an inspection report

Warm Season Grass Maintenance You need to determine what events are going to take place on the field: § What level of sport is being played on the field (elementary, high school, college or pros) § Football only or football and soccer § Game field or practice field You need to develop a maintenance plan that will work with the particular needs of your field

Fertilization § Maximum fertility May through August to maximize growth during growing period § Harden off warm season turf in fall with less amounts of Nitrogen and more Potassium § Slow release Vs Quick release Nitrogen sources

Aeration and Topdressing Soil compaction prevalent along the side lines and between the hash marks § Deep tine aerification if possible 2 x in major compacted areas § Aerification, topdressing, and dethatching should be done when the grass is actively growing § Must be accomplished in time for the field to be ready for play

Overseeding § When ? (fall of the year when bermuda is beginning to go dormant) § WHY? (winter color and some recuperative ability in winter)

Should you overseed? § Decision based on economics, coaches desire play scheduling § Play the continues past fall and into the early spring then you should overseed § Do not if plays ends in early November and will not resume until late spring

Mowing § ¾ to 1 ½ inches in height but can be lower § Raise mowing height in fall to promote winter hardiness § Follow the 1/3 rule § Do not neglect field during the off season

Irrigation § Deep and infrequent § 1 to 1 ½ inches of water per growing week

Weed Control § Depends on whether the grass is overseeded § Pre-emergent herbicides § Post-emergent herbicides

Cool Season Grasses § Depends on where you are growing them § In the transition zone majority of growth will be in the spring and fall § Fertility should be applied more so in the fall and winter and not a much in the spring § Aerification should occur when turf is actively growing

Other Considerations Controlled Field Use § Preventing or minimizing play or practice when field is wet § Rotating areas of play and practice to allow turfgrass recovery § Avoiding concentrated foot traffic, such as band or cheerleader practice § Allowing newly planted fields to mature before practice or play begins § Have separate play and practice facilities § Allowing turfgrass recovery from winter dormancy before using it